Dissolvable stitches, also called absorbable sutures, are specialized threads designed to assist the body’s healing process without requiring removal. They are fabricated from materials the body can naturally break down and absorb over time. These sutures temporarily hold tissue layers together until the wound has restored sufficient strength. The precise timeline for dissolution is not fixed, depending instead on the material and the patient’s individual biology.
The Timeline: How Long Dissolvable Stitches Take to Go Away
Absorbable sutures disappear through a controlled biological process, primarily hydrolysis for synthetic materials. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water molecules penetrate the suture material, gradually breaking down its polymer chains into smaller fragments. Natural sutures, such as those derived from animal collagen, dissolve through enzymatic degradation, where enzymes digest the material. This difference in mechanism results in distinct and predictable absorption rates.
The timeline for complete dissolution can range from just a few weeks to many months, depending mainly on the material chosen by the surgeon. Faster-dissolving materials, like certain polymers or specialized gut sutures, may lose their tensile strength within seven to ten days and be fully absorbed within two to three weeks. These are often used for superficial skin closures or in mucosal areas like the mouth, where rapid healing occurs.
Medium-term sutures, frequently used for internal soft tissue repair, typically take six to twelve weeks to fully disappear. Materials designed for prolonged support, such as those used in deeper layers or orthopedic procedures, can maintain their structural integrity for longer periods. These slower-absorbing sutures may take up to six months or even longer to be completely metabolized by the body.
The location of the stitches also plays a role in the speed of dissolution. Sutures placed in tissues with high moisture content, high vascularity, or frequent movement, such as the mouth or internal organs, tend to dissolve more quickly. Conversely, those placed in areas with lower blood flow or in deeper layers may take longer. Furthermore, the thickness, or gauge, of the suture material directly correlates with its longevity, as thicker stitches naturally contain more material to be broken down.
A patient’s overall health can also slightly influence the absorption rate. Underlying conditions like diabetes or immune system disorders can slow down the body’s general healing process, which may indirectly extend the time it takes for the sutures to dissolve. Since many variables affect the final timeline, the surgeon is the only reliable source for determining the expected dissolution period for a specific procedure.
Caring for the Area While Stitches Dissolve
Proper care of the wound site is important while absorbable sutures dissolve. Keeping the area clean and dry helps promote healing and reduces the risk of complications. Avoid submerging the wound in water; baths, swimming, or hot tubs are restricted until approved by your healthcare provider. Gentle showering is often permitted after 24 to 48 hours, but the wound must be carefully patted dry afterward without rubbing.
You should also restrict activities that put excessive strain or tension on the wound, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Stressing the area before the underlying tissue has regained sufficient strength can cause the wound edges to pull apart or delay the healing process. Always follow the specific activity restrictions provided by your surgical team.
During the dissolution process, it is normal to see small pieces of the suture material appear on the surface of the skin as they break down. The ends of the stitches may also soften and become less noticeable over time. It is crucial not to pick at, manipulate, or attempt to pull out any protruding stitches, even if they appear loose. Interfering with the sutures can re-open the wound, introduce bacteria, and negatively affect the final appearance of the scar.
It is important to recognize signs that may indicate a problem and require medical attention. Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound should be monitored. Other warning signs include persistent pain that worsens instead of improving, the presence of pus, or a fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately, as they may indicate an infection that requires prompt treatment.
Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable Sutures
The choice between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures depends on the purpose and location of the closure. Absorbable sutures are selected when the wound requires temporary support and when removal would be impractical or unnecessary. They are the preferred option for closing internal incisions, deep layers of tissue, and in areas that heal quickly, such as the gastrointestinal tract. Their self-dissolving nature eliminates the need for a second procedure to take them out.
Non-absorbable sutures, in contrast, are made from materials like nylon or silk that the body cannot break down. These sutures are used when long-term or permanent support is necessary, such as in certain cardiovascular or orthopedic repairs where prolonged tensile strength is required. They are also commonly used for external skin closures where the wound is under high tension or in situations where the surgeon wants minimal tissue reaction.
Non-absorbable sutures placed on the skin surface must be manually removed by a healthcare professional once the wound has healed. Absorbable sutures are specifically engineered to vanish, making them ideal for closures deep within the body. This design benefits patient comfort and minimizes the risk of infection associated with a removal procedure.